22 votes

San Diego-based group wins US suit: Male-only draft unconstitutional

11 comments

  1. PaKYr
    Link
    This is important to note because it means this judgement is largely symbolic, and the government is, at present, required to make no changes. However, it does set a precedent that could be...

    But the ruling came in the form of a declaratory judgment and not an injunction, meaning that the court didn't specifically order the government how to change Selective Service to make it constitutional.

    This is important to note because it means this judgement is largely symbolic, and the government is, at present, required to make no changes. However, it does set a precedent that could be invoked in future prosecutions of men who refuse to register for the draft.

    12 votes
  2. [7]
    Ephemere
    Link
    It's funny, I myself identify as a feminist, but I agree completely that if we have a draft, women and men should be equally subject to it. I'm of course also personally for abolishing the draft,...

    It's funny, I myself identify as a feminist, but I agree completely that if we have a draft, women and men should be equally subject to it.

    I'm of course also personally for abolishing the draft, though somewhat mildly so. I suppose it's not impossible to imagine some kind of tragedy where it would be good to have a national means of mobilization, but it would be pretty hard pressed to think of one.

    5 votes
    1. [2]
      alyaza
      Link Parent
      i mean, i think it'd be a little weird to be a feminist but then not support the idea of females being subject to the draft, since that would seemingly imply females are either not capable of what...

      It's funny, I myself identify as a feminist, but I agree completely that if we have a draft, women and men should be equally subject to it.

      i mean, i think it'd be a little weird to be a feminist but then not support the idea of females being subject to the draft, since that would seemingly imply females are either not capable of what men are capable of in the military or that they'd be in some capacity burdensome on a battlefield in ways men are not (although i'm sure there are plenty of feminists who don't support equality of the draft for one reason or another and i'm equally sure most females aren't complaining that they're currently exempt from the draft)

      I'm of course also personally for abolishing the draft, though somewhat mildly so. I suppose it's not impossible to imagine some kind of tragedy where it would be good to have a national means of mobilization, but it would be pretty hard pressed to think of one.

      realistically, with how unpopular the draft is i can only assume we'd ever use it again in a war of extermination or annihilation. vietnam really fucked up the popular sentiment for the draft and even forty years removed, people haven't exactly forgotten how shit it was for tens of thousands of people to be randomly sent to die or get maimed in a foreign country for a war we abandoned anyways.

      10 votes
      1. Ephemere
        Link Parent
        I quite agree with regards to the draft, when I was thinking it would only make sense in the context of a... seveneves style natural calamity or something similarly absurd. It seems any actual war...

        I quite agree with regards to the draft, when I was thinking it would only make sense in the context of a... seveneves style natural calamity or something similarly absurd. It seems any actual war which would threaten the united states would also be nuclear, which wouldn't give us time to draft anyone anyway.

        2 votes
    2. [2]
      AlastrionaCatskill
      Link Parent
      I pretty much agree. The draft isn't about the men going off to fight, it's about defending your country if the proverbial feces hits the fan. Like if [powerful country here] invaded and you had...

      I pretty much agree. The draft isn't about the men going off to fight, it's about defending your country if the proverbial feces hits the fan. Like if [powerful country here] invaded and you had to mobilize everyone possible.

      1 vote
      1. knocklessmonster
        Link Parent
        That's the principle, at least, but the US's recent military history paints a different picture

        The draft isn't about the men going off to fight, it's about defending your country if the proverbial feces hits the fan

        That's the principle, at least, but the US's recent military history paints a different picture

        2 votes
    3. [2]
      Greg
      Link Parent
      I'd change that first "but" to a "therefore"! True equality benefits everyone.

      I'd change that first "but" to a "therefore"! True equality benefits everyone.

      1 vote
      1. Ephemere
        Link Parent
        You're absolutely right, I worded this poorly.

        You're absolutely right, I worded this poorly.

        1 vote
  3. [3]
    Nabu
    Link
    I think it only makes sense for women to be required to register, just as men are. I also think there could be good reason to abolish the draft altogether. I'd really like to hear arguments...

    I think it only makes sense for women to be required to register, just as men are. I also think there could be good reason to abolish the draft altogether.

    I'd really like to hear arguments against that proposition, though. Does anyone disagree? If so, please tell me why.

    4 votes
    1. [2]
      AlastrionaCatskill
      Link Parent
      So my main standpoint for not abolishing the draft is having a contingency plan for if the United States (or any country) is invaded on the home front. You'd have a population willing to fight...

      So my main standpoint for not abolishing the draft is having a contingency plan for if the United States (or any country) is invaded on the home front. You'd have a population willing to fight tooth and nail to save their homes and loved ones. With plans for a draft and legislation in place, that speeds up admin by a fuckton.

      1 vote
      1. Nabu
        Link Parent
        Right, that does make sense from a logistical standpoint. However, the United States is geographically in a pretty fantastic spot. A land invasion is extremely unlikely, which means a future draft...

        Right, that does make sense from a logistical standpoint. However, the United States is geographically in a pretty fantastic spot. A land invasion is extremely unlikely, which means a future draft would probably be used to fight wars overseas, which is something I'm generally against.

        Furthermore, the idea that the government can force you into that situation goes against my idea of personal autonomy.

        2 votes